READ: ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8; ROMANS 8:28-30, 38-39; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:4-10

Here it is. Autumn. We see the first of the leaves beginning to change color. Even as they glow and look beautiful, the sight of them may fill some of us with a sense of dread. We know that as soon as the leaves fully change, they will begin to fall from the trees. Then the branches will be bare, the weather will turn chilly, and nothing will seem nearly as pretty or fun.

But as the season changes, we don’t have to lose hope. God can use even our darkest, coldest, barest season for good. Jesus Himself went through the darkness, coldness, and bareness of death on our behalf; then He rose from the dead to bring us near to God and secure our resurrection when He returns. As we rest in the hope of what Jesus has done for us, God can help us grow so much, even in times when we feel like we are in a rut. He is at work in and through us even when we feel like we have nothing to offer.

The coming of autumn doesn’t have to scare us. If we know Jesus, God is with us even now. He can use any season for good. When leaves fall, there is hope that they will come back again. It’s not the end for them. And when things end or change in our lives, there is always hope for something new. Even as the days get darker and the trees become bare and cold, there is hope for spring ahead. God will help you through this season, and as you lean into His love, you may even get to see how He uses it for good in your life. • Bethany Acker

• Even in dark seasons, God is at work. Can you think of any ways you’ve seen God bring something good out of a difficult time, either in your own life or someone else’s?

• We won’t always see the good things God is doing through our dark seasons, but we can know that He is with us and He will never leave us. How could this be an encouragement in your life?

• During the darker, colder months of the year, it’s normal to feel more sad, lonely, or anxious than usual, and God invites us to process these feelings with Him and the people He has placed in our lives. If you find yourself experiencing an overwhelming amount of depression or anxiety, who is a trusted Christian adult you can talk to?

• If you’re not sure who to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)